The-Trades.com - Paul Schultz
"What if you were able to impart solid science in a way that would be interesting to learn? Say, with graphic-novel style illustrations, and a super-cool, super-powered, super-scientist? That's the basis for this series from Capstone Press that seeks to make science accessible to the youthful student. Mild-mannered Maxwell J. Axiom of Seattle, Washington, was on a wilderness hike one day when an all-purpose lightning bolt imbued him with abilities to shrink down to the size of an ant or ride on a sound wave. In addition, he exhibited an appetite for knowledge that took him to the ends of the earth to procure degrees in many fields of science. Now, he is ready to use this combination of capability and comprehension for the good of the world. With "going green" the popular sentiment of the day, A Refreshing Look at Renewable Energy with Max Axiom, Super Scientist looks at the sources of energy which can be naturally replenished, and reasons for using them. The book is broken down into four sections and features inset boxes which address vocabulary, interesting facts, and famous people. In "Section 1 - Where Does Energy Come From?" Super Scientist Max Axiom constricts his size to be able to follow an electrical line back to its point of origin. Bopping through the neighborhood Family Circus-style, our wee scientist demonstrates various ways in which we use energy on a daily basis. Reaching the source we see a coal-fired power plant, where an explanation of fossil fuels takes place, along with how that generates electricity. The greenhouse effect and pollution are described as the negative aspects of burning these plant and animal remains. Back to normal size, in "Section 2 - What Makes Energy Renewable?" Max Axiom pilots a powered hand-glider past coal, oil, and natural gas refineries while pointing out their limited supply. Contrasting this are renewable supplies of energy available via sun, wind, water and resources derived from crops. Max lands on the front lawn of a gentleman who explains how he uses solar panels to heat his home and produce electricity. Kayaking up the Columbia River, in "Section 3 - Large-Scale Renewable Energy" Max arrives at the Grand Coulee Dam where a helpful engineering explains how electricity is generated through hydropower. Back in his knarly glider, Max flies over Iceland, where geothermal energy is harnessed from heat deep inside the earth. Then, it's on to Texas, where a ginormous wind farm catches the breeze in its mighty turbines. Returning to his logo-coordinated kayak, Max paddles off the coast of Portugal to witness what looks like giant sausage links converting captured waves into electricity. Finally, Max wanders into California's Mojave Desert to view large-scale collection of solar power through a system using giant curved mirrors and pipes filled with oil. Alternative fuels are highlighted in "Section 4 - New Roads in Renewable Energy." Jane "keeps it clean" by pumping ethanol into her car, a fuel derived from corn. Methane gas nabbed from landfills can be burned like natural gas. Dependence on fossil fuels is frowned upon. "More About Renewable Energy" concludes the book by summing up the topic in about a page and a half of bullet points. Other select titles with Max Axiom, Super Scientist Investigating the Scientific Method The Shocking World of Electricity The Basics of Cell Life A Crash Course in Forces and Motion The Attractive Story of Magnetism The Illuminating World of Light Understanding Photosynthesis The World of Food Chains The Explosive World of Volcanoes Adventures in Sound Understanding Global Warming Exploring Ecosystems In addition to an index at the back, there is a one-page glossary of terms, section for recommended further reading, and an invitation to point your browser to FactHound, where you can find internet sites related to this book. Examples of matching web sites for this title include EPA Environmental Kid’s Club, Eeko World @ PBS Ki" - The-Trades.com
August 12, 2010